Understanding Normal and Malignant Human Hematopoiesis Using Next-Generation Humanized Mice

Rodent models for human diseases contribute significantly to understanding human physiology and pathophysiology. However, given the accelerating pace of drug development, there is a crucial need for in vivo preclinical models of human biology and pathology. The humanized mouse is one tool to bridge the gap between traditional animal models and the clinic. The development of immunodeficient mouse strains with high-level engraftment of normal and diseased human immune/hematopoietic cells has made in vivo functional characterization possible. As a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, humanized mice functionally correlate putative mechanisms with in vivo behavior and help to reveal pathogenic mechanisms. Combined with single-cell genomics, humanized mice can facilitate functional precision medicine such as risk stratification and individually optimized therapeutic approaches.